Animal-Friendly Nipple Cream: Alternatives to Lanolin

Lanolin, derived from wool, is used to treat and prevent nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers, but if you're vegan or have sensitive skin you may want to explore other options.

January 8, 2016
by Gill Polard

Image: Joe Yang / Flickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]

Lanolin, a waxy, yellow substance derived from wool, has been used topically to treat and help prevent nipple pain in breastfeeding mothers. When breastfeeding is new for a mother and child, it is normal to experience some discomfort, whether from a poor latch, from sensitive skin or from cracked or sore nipple tissue.

Lactation consultants, midwives, doulas and doctors alike have all recommended purified lanolin as a skin barrier and to facilitate most wound healing. Moist wound healing is a method used to encourage the regeneration of skin using a moist environment to prevent scabbing.

Unless you have a lanolin allergy, this treatment is safe for you and baby. However, if you have sensitive skin, which can be aggravated by any pesticides in the wool or practise a vegan lifestyle, you may want to avoid lanolin. We’ve put together a list of alternatives that can be beneficial to new moms experiencing nipple pain.

1) Hind Milk

Hind milk, the thick creamy milk that you produce towards the end of a feeding has been shown to be just as effective as lanolin for nipple pain. Simply rub a little into the sore skin after each feeding. It’s safe for baby and does not cost any money.

2) Unrefined Coconut Oil

Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and rich in antioxidants, virgin coconut oil provides a deep moisture that absorbs quickly. As a bonus, coconut oil has also been shown to strengthen underlying tissues and remove excess dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Safe for baby.

3) Soothing Nipple Fix

Matraea, a Canadian birth products company developed by midwives for their own clients, makes a plant-based, lanolin-free soothing balm that deeply moisturizes using certified organic shea butter, olive oil, calendula and cocoa butter. Safe for baby, no need to wash off.

4) Nipple Cream

Motherlove Nipple Cream’s organic ingredients include marshmallow root and calendula, and is scored a “zero-hazard product” by the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database.

5) Organic Olive Oil

You’ve probably already got some in your kitchen! Use an organic version and be sure to wash away before baby nurses.

6) Manuka Honey

Honey is know for being anti-bacterial and Manuka honey in particular is known for healing properties. Manuka has been shown to effectively fight off and kill bacteria containing Streptococcus progenies. The Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) is an extra ingredient found in the honey that gives it antimicrobial qualities.

Important: The only two types of honey that you should attempt this with are Manuka and pure unrefined honey. Never use typical grocery store honey as this could possibly worsen your condition. Never apply conventional “grade A” honey to wounds.

Important: Always wash your breast and nipple well before feeding baby when using a Manuka treatment. Babies cannot tolerate honey so should not be exposed to it until they are more than 12 months of age.

Other natural options for relieving breast pain

Relax with a warm compress before baby latches. This helps relieve engorgement, and softens and relaxes the nipple, encouraging let-down.

Between feedings, apply a cold compress under your arms and to your breasts to reduce swelling. Apply for 15-20 minutes as needed.

If your nipple and areola are hard, hand-express a little milk and massage the breast gently to encourage flow.

As much as possible, go topless and let the air dry your nipples.

Unless you are treating open wounds, avoid soap on your nipples. Soap can be drying and strip the skin of natural oils. Water is all you need to keep your nipples clean.

Frequent, consistent nursing and/or pumping is important for maintaining your supply; nursing your baby will help improve your situation, so stick to it. Often, sore and cracked nipples are a result of a poor latch and can be corrected with some guidance from a doula, lactation consultant or nurse. Check your local listings for a La Leche League near you.

Gill Polard is head of marketing for a Canadian birth products company. She has been in sales and marketing for over 15 years. In addition to her day job she lends her services to the Duncan Journal as a brand strategist and she also writes for multiple publications on topics as diverse as marketing, tech and parenting, and as an advocate for education and destigmatization around the benefits of medical cannabis in Canada. She can found on Twitter or Instagram at @gill_polard.

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